Sometimes there are some very disappointing times in our lives. I guess we place a lot of faith in people instead of the real one (Jesus). When people fall from our expectations we feel let down—like they failed us. When in all actuality they’ve failed only one. Our faith is not in people or leaders but God.
I looked up to a very good pastor, teacher, preacher, and minister—so I thought. This man preached the word with boldness, sincerity, and passion. I thought if anyone had it together—it was him. I loved to hear him preach—because he motivated me to become a better Christian, to live it out, to be real, to be passionate, etc.
A few weeks ago I found out that this man had been cheating on his wife for years—maybe with more than one woman. I don’t know the exact details of the situation, and probably only him and God knows. But I wonder if he was purposely living a double life, or was it something he struggled with and did not overcome it. Now, I’m not taking up for him, because I know that this is serious and should not be taken lightly, but let’s look at this from a spiritual standpoint.
Obviously, the man had experienced God deeply—because of the fruit that produced from his ministry, the sermons he spoke, and the love he had for ministry. I don’t believe that this man could have just been in ministry for the fun of it. Trust me it’s hard dealing with people!
The Bible says that Satan walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus said that he came to give abundant life, but Satan came to KILL, STEAL, and DESTROY (John 10:10). Satan has been attacking from the beginning—to see man fall—especially a leader or men in ministry. If he destroys them—he can change the hearts of many.
Let’s talk about King David. This was a man after God’s own heart. He was a man that was loved by God and loved God. He was a huge leader, even a KING. What happened? There was an attack by Satan by showing him a NAKED WOMAN and then entertaining those thoughts. He became captivated by those thoughts until they became action. Those actions caused more actions—even to the point of MURDER. Surely God must have said then that he was no longer a man after His own heart. Nope! He did require that he repent but it did not change the fact that he loved God and God loved him.
To me this proves that a man can love God, be passionate about God, know the things of God, and even know God, but still be deceived and brought down by the enemy.
We must realize there is a war going on all around us. A war that we are in—whether we choose to fight in it or not—we are in a battle. We can’t see it maybe, but if we are sensitive to the situations around us we will begin to see it.
I don’t know the heart of this man—but I do know that neither does the countless Christians who rip him apart with their slandering words. Wow, a great Christian perspective—to tear people down when they’ve already fallen by an attack by Satan. We should see it as an opportunity to restore a brother in Christ, but instead we act surprised that someone in leadership would allow Satan to have a stronghold in their lives. We live in a state of being thinking that Christianity is like living in fairytale land where we have no problems, no struggles, and that preachers are the Christ. They are not. They are humans who are in the same battle as everyone else.
I would hate to know who would stand by me if I were to fall. All it takes is one time to allow Satan to come in and get a stronghold in your life.
We have put Christianity in a box of principles and feelings. No longer do we hold true to what Jesus taught. Oh, we say that we are not like the religious leaders—“it’s about Grace not law,” we say. But in reality—we are just like the Pharisees, the religious leaders—with our rules, regulations, principles, and fitting in a box. If someone does not fit in our TINY box—they must be of the devil.
Our hearts are central. Proverbs 4:23 says,"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Satan knows that and our hearts are constantly under attack from the time we are born.
We should be about the business of restoring hearts—not just telling people how to live. The captives are to be set free and hearts restored, not judging and tearing down. Our war is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and rulers of darkness (Eph. 6:12).
Yes I was disappointed in this man—and actually felt like a wound to my own heart. Satan is probably having a field day over this situation—people doubting their salvation, doubting Christianity, giving up hope, and tearing up other Christians—which is allowing him in to their lives for a stronghold. See how he works—so deceptive. But the problem with deception is that you don’t know you’re being deceived.
We must remember we are at war, not put our faith in man but Christ, and come back to the heart of the matter—restoring hearts.
